News: Media Kits: Living Well Week
News Article
March 12, 2006
Choose parenting information wisely
Writer/source: Diane Bales (dbales@uga.edu) 706/542-7566
With book stores that feature row after row of books on child development and parenting, it's no wonder that parents have a hard time figuring out what to believe.
"Pick up a news magazine or turn on the TV and you'll see a report on the latest popular advice about what really matters when it comes to raising children," said Diane Bales, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension human development specialist. "Unfortunately, much of the information is conflicting. In fact, some writers give out information that can confuse parents or may be misinterpreted."
Someone who wants to confirm almost any idea usually can find a book that does so. But that doesn't mean that the information is scientifically accurate or valid.
For example, Bales said, one recent book claims the way parents bring up their children makes almost no difference in how the children will turn out.
"How can that be?" North Carolina Extension Specialist Karen DeBord said. "Maybe the author is trying to relieve parents of guilt, but I fear that there may be some parents who will take this to try to relieve themselves of the rights and responsibilities of being involved parents."
Many replicated studies show that children's development is influenced by numerous factors, including parents, siblings, extended family, neighbors, caregivers, teachers, and systems such as police, community, government, and culture. But according to many highly respected studies, the first and most influential factors are still the parents.
As children get into the adolescent and teen years, peers do have a good deal of influence over things like taste in clothing and music. But parents still are the stronger influence on teenagers' goals, aspirations and values. And for teenagers, one of the most important factors in avoiding risky situations is parent monitoring.
How do you know what information is accurate and what information should be ignored?
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you select books and other resources about parenting:
- Look at the credentials of the writer or teacher. How did the person get the information? Is it research-based information, or just the author's opinion?
- Has the research been verified over and over again through replicated studies?
- Does the information or advice fit with your own values and instincts? Does it seem to make sense to you?
- Does the information work in practice? Is it practical?
- Does the writer or teacher offer additional support, resources or contact information?
"Remember that the family and consumer sciences agent at your county's Cooperative Extension office can recommend trustworthy, practical sources of information for parents," Bales said.
(Diane Bales is a UGA Cooperative Extension human development specialist with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.)